SAMe

Uses

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for

Why

3 Stars

Liver Cirrhosis

1,200 mg daily

Taking SAMe may improve liver function, bile flow, and survival.

Large amounts of SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) may improve survival and liver function in alcoholic liver cirrhosis. A double-blind trial found that 1,200 mg of SAMe per day for two years significantly decreased the overall death rate and the need for liver transplantation in people with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, particularly in those with less advanced liver disease.1 Preliminary trials suggest that lower amounts of SAMe (180 mg per day in one trial2 and 800 mg per day in another3) may improve liver function in people with liver cirrhosis. SAMe supplementation has been shown to reverse the depletion of glutathione, an important antioxidant required for liver function.4It has also been shown to aid in the resolution of blocked bile flow (cholestasis), a common complication of liver cirrhosis.5, 6

3 Stars

Osteoarthritis

1200 mg daily

SAMe has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and tissue-healing properties that may help protect the health of joints and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.

SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine) possesses anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and tissue-healing properties that may help protect the health of joints,7, 8 though the primary way in which SAMe reduces osteoarthritis symptoms is not known. A very large, though uncontrolled, trial (meaning that there was no comparison with placebo) demonstrated “very good” or “good” clinical effect of SAMe in 71% of over 20,000 osteoarthritis sufferers.9 In addition to this preliminary research, many double-blind trials have shown that SAMe reduces pain, stiffness, and swelling better than placebo and equal to drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen in people with osteoarthritis.10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 These double-blind trials all used 1,200 mg of SAMe per day.

Lower amounts of oral SAMe have also produced reductions in the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms in preliminary clinical trials. A two-year, uncontrolled trial showed significant improvement of symptoms after two weeks at 600 mg SAMe daily, followed by 400 mg daily thereafter.18 This amount was also used in a double-blind trial, but participants first received five days of intravenous SAMe.19 A review of the clinical trials on SAMe concluded that its efficacy against osteoarthritis was similar to that of conventional drugs but that patients tolerated it better.20

2 Stars

Depression

1,600 mg daily

SAMe appears to raise levels of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in mood regulation.

SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine) is a substance synthesized in the body that has recently been made available as a supplement. SAMe appears to raise levels of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in mood regulation. Higher SAMe levels in the brain are associated with successful drug treatment of depression, and oral SAMe has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for depression in most,21, 22, 23 but not all,24 clinical trials. SAMe has been found to be effective both when used by itself and when used as add-on treatment to antidepressant medication.25 Most trials used 1,600 mg of SAMe per day. While it does not seem to be as powerful as full applications of antidepressant medications26 or St. John’s wort, SAMe’s effects are felt more rapidly, often within one week.27

2 Stars

Fibromyalgia

800 mg daily

Supplementing with SAMe may increase serotonin levels in the blood and help relieve symptoms.

Intravenous SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) given to people with fibromyalgia reduced pain and depression in two double-blind trials;28, 29 but no benefit was seen in a short (ten-day) trial.30 Oral SAMe (800 mg per day for six weeks) was tested in one double-blind trial and significant beneficial effects were seen, such as reduced pain, fatigue, and stiffness, and improved mood.31

2 Stars

Hepatitis and Cholestasis

1,600 mg daily

Supplementing with SAMe may help resolve blocked bile flow.

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) (1,600 mg/day orally or 800 mg/day intravenously) has been shown to aid in the resolution of blocked bile flow (cholestasis), a common complication of chronic hepatitis.32, 33

2 Stars

Pregnancy and Postpartum Support and Cholestasis

Refer to label instructions

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) supplementation has been shown to aid in the resolution of blocked bile flow (cholestasis), an occasional complication of pregnancy.34, 35

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) supplementation has been shown to aid in the resolution of blocked bile flow (cholestasis), an occasional complication of pregnancy.36, 37

1 Star

Bipolar Disorder

Refer to label instructions

SAMe is an amino acid that has an impact on serotonin levels, it has shown significant antidepressant effects in clinical trials.

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is another amino acid that has an impact on serotonin levels, and it has demonstrated significant antidepressant effects in clinical trials.38, 39, 40 In both controlled and preliminary studies, SAMe has been shown to be helpful for the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, some patients have switched from depression to mania while using SAMe at 500 to 1,600 mg daily.41, 42 This is a known side effect of other antidepressant medications.43 The mania induced by SAMe resolved when the supplement was discontinued, and in one case resolved spontaneously while the patient continued taking SAMe.44 Therefore, people with bipolar disorder should supplement with SAMe only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

1 Star

Male Infertility

Refer to label instructions

Preliminary research suggests that oral SAMe may also increase sperm activity in infertile men.

Preliminary research suggests that oral SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine), in amounts of 800 mg per day, may also increase sperm activity in infertile men.45

1 Star

Migraine Headache

Refer to label instructions

Preliminary research suggests that supplementing with SAMe may reduce symptoms for some migraine sufferers.

Preliminary research also suggests that oral supplements of SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) may reduce symptoms for some migraine sufferers.46

How It Works

How to Use It

Healthy people do not need to take this supplement. Researchers working with people suffering from a variety of conditions have been using these amounts of SAMe: depression, 1,600 mg per day; osteoarthritis, 800–1,200 mg per day; fibromyalgia, 800 mg per day; liver disorders, 1,200 mg per day; and migraine, 800 mg per day.

Where to Find It

SAMe is not abundant in the diet, though its precursor, the amino acidmethionine is plentiful in many protein foods. It is not known whether increasing one’s intake of methionine will increase the body’s production of SAMe. Supplements of SAMe have been available in the U.S. since 1997.

Interactions with Medicines

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

Reduce Side Effects

Support Medicine

SAMe may improve the clinical response to imipramine (Tofranil®). In a double-blind trial, depressive symptoms decreased earlier in the people who received SAMe injections (200 mg per day) in combination with imipramine than in those who received imipramine with placebo injections.51 Oral supplementation with SAMe has demonstrated antidepressant activity, independent of its combination with imipramine.52

Reduces Effectiveness

Potential Negative Interaction

Explanation Required

SAMe may improve the clinical response to imipramine (Tofranil®). In a double-blind trial, depressive symptoms decreased earlier in the people who received SAMe injections (200 mg per day) in combination with imipramine than in those who received imipramine with placebo injections.53 Oral supplementation with SAMe has demonstrated antidepressant activity, independent of its combination with imipramine.54

SAMe may improve the clinical response to imipramine (Tofranil®). In a double-blind trial, depressive symptoms decreased earlier in the people who received SAMe injections (200 mg per day) in combination with imipramine than in those who received imipramine with placebo injections.55 Oral supplementation with SAMe has demonstrated antidepressant activity, independent of its combination with imipramine.56

SAMe may improve the clinical response to imipramine (Tofranil®). In a double-blind trial, depressive symptoms decreased earlier in the people who received SAMe injections (200 mg per day) in combination with imipramine than in those who received imipramine with placebo injections.57 Oral supplementation with SAMe has demonstrated antidepressant activity, independent of its combination with imipramine.58

SAMe may improve the clinical response to imipramine (Tofranil®). In a double-blind trial, depressive symptoms decreased earlier in the people who received SAMe injections (200 mg per day) in combination with imipramine than in those who received imipramine with placebo injections.59 Oral supplementation with SAMe has demonstrated antidepressant activity, independent of its combination with imipramine.60

SAMe may improve the clinical response to imipramine (Tofranil®). In a double-blind trial, depressive symptoms decreased earlier in the people who received SAMe injections (200 mg per day) in combination with imipramine than in those who received imipramine with placebo injections.61 Oral supplementation with SAMe has demonstrated antidepressant activity, independent of its combination with imipramine.62

SAMe may improve the clinical response to imipramine (Tofranil®). In a double-blind trial, depressive symptoms decreased earlier in the people who received SAMe injections (200 mg per day) in combination with imipramine than in those who received imipramine with placebo injections.63 Oral supplementation with SAMe has demonstrated antidepressant activity, independent of its combination with imipramine.64

SAMe may improve the clinical response to imipramine (Tofranil®). In a double-blind trial, depressive symptoms decreased earlier in the people who received SAMe injections (200 mg per day) in combination with imipramine than in those who received imipramine with placebo injections.65 Oral supplementation with SAMe has demonstrated antidepressant activity, independent of its combination with imipramine.66

SAMe may improve the clinical response to imipramine (Tofranil®). In a double-blind trial, depressive symptoms decreased earlier in the people who received SAMe injections (200 mg per day) in combination with imipramine than in those who received imipramine with placebo injections.67 Oral supplementation with SAMe has demonstrated antidepressant activity, independent of its combination with imipramine.68

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side Effects

Clinical trials in thousands of people for up to two years have demonstrated that SAMe is very well tolerated, much better than the medications with which it has often been compared.69, 70 Occasional gastrointestinal upset may be experienced by some people. Researchers treating people with bipolar disorder (manic depression) have reported that SAMe could cause them to switch from depression to a manic episode.71, 72

The information presented by Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2017.

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